AJAX, ON, April 26, 2008 – DuPont Performance Coatings (DPC) supports the Canadian government’s proposed regulations to lower the volatile organic compounds (VOC) content in automotive refinish and architectural and industrial maintenance coatings. The proposed regulations were published today by Environment Canada in Canada Gazette, Part 1. This is the first official step to make the low VOC regulations law, which would take effect on January 1, 2010.

“During the development of the low VOC legislation, DPC regularly consulted with Environment Canada and the Canadian Paint and Coatings Association,” said Brian Edwards, DuPont Canada’s Performance Coatings Country Manager.

“We wanted to ensure that learnings from Europe’s transition to low VOC products were heard, along with the concerns of Canadian collision repair professionals.The global trend is toward low VOC products, so it’s important to draw upon the experience of other countries that have implemented similar regulations to understand the impacts, both social and economic, they may have on the industry,” said Edwards.. “The goal is for the transition to be completed with the industry being stronger, more viable and capable of meeting the emission targets set by Environment Canada. I believe the industry can accomplish these goals.”

Once Environment Canada made its intentions known at a May 5, 2006 consultation meeting, DPC was quick to develop a comprehensive program to assist collision repair professionals to meet the future low VOC regulations. The program included the introduction of Spies Hecker® Permahyd®, Standox® Standohyd® and DuPont™ Cromax® Pro waterborne basecoats; the construction of a new, state-of-the-art training centre in Pointe- Claire, Quebec, to complement its industry leading training network; significant investment in employee and distributor training to support customer conversions; and the hosting of low VOC information sessions in over 40 cities across Canada between January and April 2007.

“Our commitment goes beyond helping our customers comply with future low VOC limits,” stated Mario Tremblay, Refinish Business Manager. “Our program is geared toward helping our customers exceed their business goals. Our unique waterborne basecoat technologies provide the breakthrough productivity and performance that leading shops need to reach the next level.”

To date 304 collision repair facilities have converted to a DPC waterborne basecoat brand. For additional information about DuPont™ Cromax® Pro, Spies Hecker® Permahyd® and Standox® Standohyd® waterborne basecoats, please visit www.pc.dupont.com and select Canada or call 1.800.668.6945.